CHS grad switches focus to spring track

Former St. Cloud Cathedral cross country standout Grant Wintheiser led St. Olaf to the NCAA Division III men’s national title last fall, and has similarly high hopes this spring during track season.(Photo: Caleb Williams/Caleb Williams Photography)

Although much has changed in Grant Wintheiser's life as he transitioned from St. Cloud Cathedral High School to St. Olaf College three years ago, one constant has remained: running.

The Cathedral alumnus was a solid runner in high school, and attributes much of his college success to the school's program and the coaching he received.

"A large part of his focus was training us to be good competitors and good teammates who were confident in ourselves and each other," said Wintheiser, who last fall led the Oles to the NCAA Division III men's cross country national championship. "I think the fact that I didn't over-train in high school is why I have been able to improve so much in college.

"I got a good base, but I wasn't burnt out or pushing my body as far as it could go, so when I started to in college in was really able to reap the results."

Wintheiser runs both cross country in the fall and track and field in the spring, but feels as if his strengths lie in the former.

"Sometimes I think track focuses too much on running fast times, whereas cross-country is all about beating the guy next to you," Wintheiser said. "I like the more natural aspect of cross country — you have to deal with the course conditions and weather — which requires a different kind of grit than does running on a track."

The team versus individual mentality also adds to Wintheiser's passion for cross country.

"I just enjoy the team aspect of cross country," Wintheiser said. "Track is much more about yourself, whereas cross country is a team effort. The best feeling was celebrating with the guys after we won the National Championships this fall."

As with most spring sports in Minnesota, track faces challenges because of the unpredictable weather. Meets are held indoors until the weather improves enough to allow athletes to use outdoor facilities.

"The disadvantage to indoor is the smaller track, which requires sharper turns and more stress on your leg," Wintheiser said. "With the larger outdoor track, this tends to be less of a problem.

"On a nice spring day, there is nothing that can beat an outdoor track meet, although indoor meets have their own flavor of excitement because everyone is in such a small area."

On Saturday, St. Olaf placed first of five teams at the Carleton Open in Northfield. Wintheiser did not run due to a foot injury, but supported his team and hopes the success continues as they look ahead in the season.

The team hopes to win the MIAC championship, although St. Thomas presents difficult competition. Individually, Wintheiser hopes to win a MIAC title in either the 1,500-meter or 5,000-meter races, and be named All-American in one as well.

"Frankly, it would really be an upset if we beat them (St. Thomas)," Wintheiser said. "As for myself, there are always tough guys at MIACs (and obviously the national meet) who train hard and are looking to win titles, so I just have make sure I do the same and am ready to go come race day.

"If I stay injury-free, I am confident that I can accomplish my goals."